Here Are UPROXX Music’s Favorite David Bowie Songs

When someone dies, they may no longer be with you, but they never leave you. In the case of David Bowie, we’ve truly been blessed with nearly 50 years of fantastic art that has painted the textures of entire generations of lives. There are so many reasons to enjoy his work: his fantastic songwriting and personas, his impeccable style, his incredible humor, his warm, yet gruff vocals — all of it brought so much joy.

This isn’t the list of David Bowie’s greatest works or the definitive ranking of his best. These are just the songs that we love by someone who we cared for very much. Here are Uproxx Music’s Favorite David Bowie songs.

“Dancing in the Street” From Dancing in the Street

There are two things I love most when it comes to music: (1) Unorthodox duets, and (2) covers of classic tunes that make the originals their own without changing too much. David Bowie and Mick Jagger’s 1985 recording of Martha and the Vandellas’ “Dancing in the Street” for Live Aid hits both of these spots right on the mark.

Sure, the bass line is a little louder and the lead is split between two singers, but the backup vocals, horns and basic beat are all the same. However, let’s be honest. Musical highlights aside, the best thing about this song is the music video, which Bower and Jagger shot immediately after recording a rough mix of the track. Why’s it so good? Because it features two men sporting ‘80s fashion while dancing in and around an abandoned building. There’s even a gratuitous ass-wiggling shot. Pure, unadulterated gold.-Andrew Husband (@AndrewHusband)

“Changes” From Hunky Dory

I discovered a lot of music while in high school, hanging out in the basement of my buddy Dave’s house. And while we listened to a lot of Nirvana, we took the time to do some homework and to learn about “classic rock.” So on a Saturday Dave suggested we check out Bowie. “Changes” was the first Bowie song I heard that stuck with me.

“Ziggy Stardust” was cool and all, but me, I’m a “ch-ch-changes” kind of guy. I mean, I’m a sucker for horns, so that helped. But the song is so damn catchy and it’s wonderful to sing-along with too. Fast forward 20 years later and if “Changes” comes on, I turn it up and start singing. When I heard Bowie had died, it was the first song I wanted to listen to.-Ryan O’Connell (@rynofrommaine)

“Starman” from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars

Whenever I think of The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust this is the first song that comes to mind. Easily one of the major standout songs from one of the best albums of all time. If you know someone who isn’t into Bowie’s music than play them this song, it’ll turn any non-Bowie fan into a fan for life.

For such a simple song there is so much going on and with so many layers, from the acoustic guitar opening to the grand sing along ending. This song holds a special place in my heart because it was the song that turned me into a Bowie fan. The first time I heard it I was in middle school and I became hooked almost instantly.-James Sullivan (@sully1289)